Friday, August 5, 2011

Groenlandaspis.

Groenlandaspis (green-lind-ASP-iss) is a genus of placoderm from the late Devonian Period. It had a dorsal fin-like armor plate on top of its head, like its relative Turrisaspis. Groenlandaspis means "Greenland shield," because it was first discovered in Greenland. Fossils have since been found all over the world.

Like other arthrodires, Groenlandaspis's neck had a joint that would allow the mouth to open wider than other kinds of fish. But its armored "dorsal fin" would keep Groenlandaspis from opening its mouth as wide as most arthordires could. So it probably would not be able to eat very large prey and would have to eat small animals and detritus.

Groenlandaspis was about three inches long and probably had to avoid large predatory placoderms. But it would probably have protection against other predators, such as Rhizodonts, because of its armored dorsal fin.

Note From the Typist

Art started writing this blog at age seven and completed the majority of the work before he turned nine. He did his own research and for a long time dictated the blog entries to me, his mother. I typed exactly what he said and did my best to spell everything correctly.

For a glimpse into the early blogging process, check out the video below.